Hawaii volcano Kilauea has erupted on a series of occasions this week with explosions intensifying.

A red alert has been issued as the ash and volcanic smoke has risen 12,000 feet above the volcano’s crater.

Southwesterly winds have since pushed the clouds across the island smothering some communities with dust.

In the shocking footage the giant ash cloud can be seen rocketing into the skyline.

Warnings have been raised that if there is a “massive steam explosion”, the ash cloud could reach 20,000 feet.

Marci Gonzalez, an ABC News reporter told Sky News: “We are still seeing those huge plumes of ash billowing into the air, as high as 12,000 feet.

“Geologists expect that this will be the start of what is a continuous phase of ash eruptions like this. They believe it could be a lead up to a massive steam explosion that they have been predicting for about a week.

“The other concern from this steam explosion they’re expecting could happen, is even bigger ash plumes, we’re seeing 12,000 feet up, they’re saying the ash plumes could go to 20,000 feet into the air.

“The concern is, depending on wind direction, the ash could be carried over communities.”

Ashfall from Kilauea is expected to reach the region southwest of the erupting volcano summit, including the neighbourhoods of Wood Valley, Pahala, Punaluu, Naalehu, and Hawaiian Oceanview Estates.

A shift in winds was expected to bring ash and vog inland on Wednesday and make them more concentrated, adding to the hazards already presented by the volcanic activity.

Ash is not poisonous but irritates the nose, eyes and airways. It can make roads slippery and large emissions could cause the failure of electrical power lines, said USGS chemist David Damby.

Hawaii Fire Department declared air qualitywas still conditionred – meaning immediate danger to health – and urged nearby residents to take action to limit further exposure.

A fire department spokesman said: “Severe conditions may exist such as choking and inability to breathe.

“Sulphur dioxide gas from fissures is especially dangerous for elderly, children and babies and people with respiratory problems.

“The residents of Puna are going through a very difficult time. County, State and Federal partners continue to monitor the situation.”

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